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House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap: Who Dies and Who Takes the Throne?

By
Rebecca Murray
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House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap Rhaenyra
Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)

Three dragons soar through the sky as HBO’s House of the Dragon season three episode two begins. The dragons circle over the devastation left in the aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, continuing to set things on fire. Baela (Bethany Antonia) retrieves Jace’s dead body and brings it home to Dragonstone, where she informs Ser Lorent that the battle is won.

(The following is a recap of season three, episode two, and there are spoilers.)

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) takes in the body of Jace and demands to know what he’s done, asking as if he’s still breathing. She slowly approaches his obviously deceased body and is overcome with grief and anger. “How could you do this to me?” she asks as she hits his body, as though trying to urge it back to life. Ser Lorent (Max Wrottesley) pulls her away and she reacts by telling him not to dare touch her. He acknowledges that he’s failed her and hands his queen his sword to kill him. Rhaenyra knows it won’t do any good; nothing will change.

She blames the rest of them for also betraying their queen by standing by and allowing Jace to fly into battle while she was locked in her room.

High Tide burns as Alyn (Abubakar Salim) looks for Lord Corlys in the ocean. His men are slaughtering Lohar’s remaining men.

Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) returns to the Vale with her dragon, admitting she’s done a terrible thing. Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin) demands that she leave; Queen Rhaenyra will be hunting her after causing Jace’s death. Rhaena insists that she’s offering protection with her dragon. She reminds Lady Jeyne that Vhagar is still a danger. Lady Jeyne doesn’t change her mind. She wants Rhaena out of the Vale.

Daemon’s men drink and sing, cheering on their victory, with the men of the Winter Wolves. Jason Lannister’s head and that of a lion are prominently displayed. Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) joins them, and Daemon seems happy to see him and accepts his congratulations. He brought wine for the celebration along with a message from Queen Rhaenyra. Daemon learns Jace is dead and orders Ser Roderick Dustin (Tommy Flanagan) to march south to King’s Landing. He’ll meet him there and ensure they give Rhaenyra the Iron Throne.

He also commands Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) to return to the Riverlands to protect Harrenhal. Once Rhaenyra’s on the throne, he’ll send dragons to protect them.

Alys (Gayle Rankin) speaks to Daemon, telling him she put 40,000 River men at the queen’s call and wants Harrenhal in return. She cherishes it like no one else, and Daemon points out she’s not a noble and doesn’t have a title. He calls her a midwife but then assures her he’ll ask Rhaenyra for some other reward for her.

Lohar’s men are dead, scattered across the beach as Alyn continues to look for Lord Corlys. He’s joined by Baela, who believes they’ll find his father alive. Alyn asks about what he’s like, and she does a decent job of describing his personality.

Alyn watches as Addam (Clinton Liberty) also searches but from the sky, looking for any sign of Lord Corlys. Addam finally spots him and circles back.

Meanwhile, Larys (Matthew Needham) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) are still captives on the way to Rhaenyra. Aegon’s fuming that they will be killed by Rhaenyra. Suddenly the carriage stops and they open the door to discover a fight is underway outside. Aegon manages to attack the guard left behind and they escape. Aegon wants to head to Rook’s Rest.

Lord Corlys thinks if this is victory, he doesn’t want to see another. He’s got Addam, Alyn, and Baela by his side and knows that right now he’s got nothing left. High Tide has burned and his fleet is disseminated. All he has to give his sons now is his name, and Alyn confesses he believes that to be more valuable.

Alicent (Olivia Cooke) asks to speak with Commander of the City Watch Ser Luthor Largent (Tom Cullen) on an urgent matter. She informs him Rhaenyra is returning. Her daughter will allow Rhaenyra to enter the kingdom and take the throne, and she needs to know if he’ll allow his Gold Cloaks to let it happen.

Daemon is upset to learn from Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew) that they left their position at Harrenhal because Aemond never showed up. Daemon points out that they only stayed there two days, and they left behind a garrison unprotected. Hugh claims a woman they believed was a maester or a witch told them about the Battle of the Gullet. They wonder if they should return to Harrenhal now and Daemon doesn’t respond.

Daemon is shocked to see Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) is free and has the queen’s trust. He thinks she’s playing a game and doesn’t believe Mysaria actually respects Rhaenyra. Mysaria points out not everything is about him.

No one seems to know where Aemond is. Mysaria insists the queen’s judgment is sound, but Daemon suspects Alicent’s lying. Word arrives that Vhagar is heading toward the Riverlands. Daemon will go; they don’t need to tell Rhaenyra.

Alicent commands her guards to secure the small council chamber. She’s going to call a meeting.

Daemon finds Rhaenyra in bed, deep in grief. She thinks Jace defied her while Daemon believes he was serving her. Rhaenyra informs her husband/uncle that Sheepstealer was responsible for Jace’s death, but they don’t know the rider. Some think it might have been claimed by a Hightower. Daemon tells her Vhagar has left King’s Landing, and Rhaenyra reacts by claiming she doesn’t care about the iron throne now that her boys are dead. Daemon insists they can’t let the boys die in vain. He confesses that at Harrenhal he saw a woman in the desert with dragons at her breast. (Daenerys!) He now believes the Song of Fire and Ice is real.

Lord Jasper Wylde (Paul Kennedy) confronts Alicent about her ability to weave herself into royalty. He knows she slept with Criston and demands to know why she secretly met with the City Watch. She struggles away from him and he’s about to rape her when Grand Maester Orwyle (Kurt Egyiawan) barges in. Jasper wants her arrested as a traitor, but instead the Grand Maester orders Jasper to be arrested for touching the Queen Mother.

After he’s taken away, Alicent thanks the grand maester. He knows she’s up to something and believes it’s something desperate.

Queen Rhaenyra returns to her council chambers with Daemon and announces she’s going to King’s Landing with Daemon and her new riders. Aemond is on his way to Harrenhal and when he returns, their window is shut.

Mysaria hands Queen Rhaenyra her crown and asks that she remember who’s been faithful and will send for her. Daemon orders Ulf and Hugh to stay behind them and watch the skies. They are to stay on guard and not disobey his orders. Once King Landing’s taken, they must turn their attention to Vhagar. He warns them not to let him down.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap
Olivia Cooke and Phia Saban in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)

Alicent finds Helaena (Phia Saban) and tells her Rhaenyra’s coming. Helaena asks if there will be a battle and realizes her mother must have met with Rhaenyra. Alicent admits she made a mistake and that Aegon shouldn’t have been king. She reminds Helaena that she was happy before she was queen, and Helaena believes she’d like to keep chickens.

Alicent walks through the King’s Guard and asks to speak with Ser Freddryk. She orders him to have the guards stand down from their stations at Helaena’s order. Freddryk disagrees. Aemond told him to kill all dragons. Alicent points out Aegon is gone, Aemond fled the city with Vhagar, and Rhaenyra is on her way with Daemon. They will take the throne, and the guard needs to let them or else be burned to death. Helaena backs her mom up and claims this is her order.

Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) watch Vhagar fly above and commence their march to Harrenhal.

Vhagar kills the men stationed outside the castle, working his way around it and lighting anyone he sees on fire. Parts of the castle crumble as he lands and kills the men inside.

It’s impossible for them to flee the flames and they’re consumed by fire. Those who avoided the fire attack Aemond, but his skills are too great and he slaughters them.

Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) enters the dining hall and approaches Ser Simon with his sword drawn. Finally, he removes his helmet and asks for Daemon. Aemond orders Simon to draw his sword, but Simon doesn’t have a sword and won’t retrieve one. Simon says the army is gone and there’s nothing to stop Aemond now. Aemond doesn’t reply and instead kills Simon and his sons.

The witch steps into the dining hall and Aemond drops his sword. He’s bleeding profusely from the back after one of the sons stabbed him. He slowly makes his way, crawling toward Alys, and asks for help before passing out.

Alicent’s order worked and the guards stand down, allowing Queen Rhaenyra and Daemon to enter King’s Landing. Alicent, Heleana, and her child quickly leave the city as the small folk stare in wonder and awe at the four dragons overhead.

Daemon has Caraxes descend and Queen Rhaenyra also lands on Syrax. The guards lay down their swords and drop to their knees, and Rhaenyra realizes Alicent did as she promised. Rhaenyra tells the guards not to be afraid. “I’ve come to make things right.”

A few guards inside the Red Keep attack as they enter but Daemon quickly dispatches them. Daemon shouts, asking who else will stand against them in their house. No one replies.

House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2 Recap
Matt Smith as Prince Daemon in ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 episode 2 (Photo by Ollie Upton/HBO)

Queen Rhaenyra and Daemon walk down the hall toward the throne room, and Daemon kills anyone who attempts to stand in their way. He throws open the doors and Queen Rhaenyra stands before the Iron Throne. She briefly pauses and then as she’s ascending to the throne, the King’s Guard attempt to stop her. Queen Rhaenyra draws her sword as more men pour into the throne room.

The King’s Guard are soon surrounded by the Gold Cloaks. The City Watch remembers their commander and that Queen Rhaenyra is the one true queen. He orders the King’s Guard to put down their swords or perish. The Gold Cloaks seize the King’s Guard, and Queen Rhaenyra thanks Ser Luthor Largent. He reminds them that Prince Daemon gave him his gold cloak 20 years ago and is happy to see them.

Before she sits on the throne, she demands they bring Aegon to her.

The gold cloaks and Daemon head to Aegon’s room, only to discover it’s empty. Grand Maester Orwyle says Aegon and Larys fled, as did Alicent. Orwyle pledges himself to the rightful heir, Queen Rhaenyra. He says Daemon can kill him, but he can offer another who can give Daemon “better satisfaction.”

Helaena and Alicent hurry through the smallfolk and realize they can’t escape.

Daemon has prisoners released but then stands before Jasper’s cell. A man says he’s got a gift for Daemon from Lord Larys Strong and Daemon walks through the chamber into the darkness. He finally stands in front of a cell and laughs at whoever’s inside.

Queen Rhaenyra meets with those who’ve been imprisoned for failing to kneel to Aegon. Jasper’s brought before Queen Rhaenyra, and she demands to know who is left from Aegon’s small council.

The prisoner who made Daemon laugh is Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). He’s brought before Rhaenyra, and Daemon suggests that, since Aegon has fled, she should behead this Hightower in his place. Daemon whispers that the crowd is watching, and she confesses she doesn’t know if she can. Otto Hightower requests that Daemon do it; he doesn’t want to be hacked at.

Queen Rhaenyra takes his sword, and she orders Hightower to stop talking when he mentions her father. Daemon whispers, “In this moment, you will become Queen.”

Queen Rhaenyra circles Hightower and finally stands behind him. He bends his head forward and she takes a swing. He’s injured but not dead. Her second swing takes his head clean off. Daemon takes the sword and follows by beheading Jasper.

Queen Rhaenyra struggles to pull herself together and then, leaving a trail of bloody footprints, ascends to the Iron Throne.

Alicent and Helaena were found and Alicent stands behind her father’s dead body and stares at Queen Rhaenyra. The Queen has tears in her eyes but then transforms into steel in seconds.

Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour to Star in Netflix Spy Series

By
Rebecca Murray
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Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour
Linnea Berthelsen as Kali, Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, and David Harbour as Jim Hopper in Season 5 Volume 2 (Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025)

Stranger Things‘ David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown are ready to play father and daughter again, this time in an A24 spy drama set up at Netflix. Harbour and Brown will star in the currently untitled series created by Emmy winner Jack Thorne (Adolescence, Lord of the Flies) and serve as executive producers.

“We are delighted to bring this spy drama to life with an extraordinary group of talent we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with before,” stated Jinny Howe, Netflix head of scripted series, US and Canada. “Jack Thorne’s ability to find the deeply human story inside a thriller is unmatched, and watching Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour reunite — this time as estranged father and daughter on opposite sides of a crisis — is something audiences are going to love. A24 is the perfect partner to bring this story to our members around the world.”

Thorne is writing and executive producing the series, which, according to Netflix’s announcement, will follow Harbour as disgraced FBI agent-turned-security expert Matt Wolfe. Matt is forced back to work in the world he left behind when Rebecca (Brown), his estranged daughter who’s followed his footsteps and become an FBI agent, suddenly goes missing. 

Additional executive producers include PCMA Productions’ Jake Bongiovi and Robert Brown, Cut To’s Joe Hipps and Patrick McDonald, and Bravo Axolotl’s KC Wenson.

Two-time Emmy nominee Millie Bobby Brown’s recent credits include The Electric State, Damsel, Enola Holmes, and Godzilla vs. Kong. And two-time Emmy nominee David Harbour’s been keeping busy with the critically acclaimed drama DTF: St. Louis and Goat. 

Dutton Ranch Episode 8 Recap: The 10-Petal Secrets Exposed

By
Rebecca Murray
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Dutton Ranch Episode 8 Kelly Reilly as Beth and Cole Hauser as Rip
Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in ‘Dutton Ranch’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch episode eight, the season’s penultimate episode, begins with Beulah (Annette Bening) taken away in a MedAir helicopter. The mood at the party is somber, and it breaks up shortly after the helicopter’s out of sight.

Carter’s drunk and falls off his horse, apologizing to Rip (Cole Hauser) for screwing up the party. Rip’s not sympathetic and orders him to get himself together. Rip doesn’t stop when Carter vomits on his horse, insisting he remains in the saddle.

(The following is a recap of season one, episode eight, and there are spoilers.)

Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind) hugs Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba) when he shows up at the hospital, and Everett (Ed Harris) tells him his family needs him.

Beth (Kelly Reilly) is concerned because Carter’s never acted this way before. She thinks this sort of behavior runs in her family and doesn’t want to “break” Carter. “We need to teach him how to be unbreakable,” she says.

Carter manages to get out of bed and joins Beth on the porch. He confesses that he hated school and quit. Carter reminds her Rip didn’t go to school, and Beth insists he didn’t get handed anything. She wants him happy but needs him prepared for the hard days ahead. He reminds her that he handled his parents dying, and she’s sorry that happened. Carter only wants to be a cowboy like Rip and John, so Beth decides he’ll start work today at the 10-Petal. Hangovers don’t stop cowboys from doing their jobs.

Rob-Will (Jai Courtney) delivers the news that Beulah had a heart attack and they did an angioplasty. She’ll recover, and she’s anxious to return home. But first she wants to talk to him and Joaquin alone.

Beulah orders Joaquin to fall in line behind Rob-Will, even though Rob-Will needs Joaquin more than Joaquin needs him. Rob-Will’s a good cowboy but no Rip Wheeler, and Joaquin doesn’t have Beth’s killer instinct. She fully supports Beth and Rip, even though Rob-Will wants to fire them. Rob-Will’s still acting like a jerk, and Beulah finally tells him to shut up.

Carter’s still feeling nauseous on the drive to 10-Petal, and Azul keeps up a stream of conversation about fathers and sons cowboying together. He announces that his wife’s pregnant, and Rip congratulates him. Rip’s forced to pull over so Carter can toss his cookies. And Rip and Azul can’t stop laughing as Rip starts and stops the truck while Carter tries to get back in.

Beth visits Beulah at the hospital and apologizes. Beulah understands and thinks if that’s the worst Carter’s done, then Beth’s done a good job raising him. Beth confesses the retirement announcement changes things because she didn’t agree to work with Rob-Will. Beulah reminds her she’s not retiring yet and hopes Beth will stick around. Beth believes Rob-Will’s promotion is a mistake, but Beulah won’t apologize for her son.

The 10-Petal cowboys give Carter a tough time, teasing him about not handling his booze. Carter saddles up and does his best, but he’s struggling and doesn’t remember to lock the gate behind him when he rides out after Rip and the men.

Everett’s alone with Beulah and asks why she chose Rob-Will. She had to make that choice because Rob-Will’s her son and Joaquin isn’t her flesh and blood. Everett thinks Rob-Will will destroy the ranch, and Beulah admits she doesn’t care. She’s bone-tired.

Everett shocks Beulah by confessing he’s ready to take that final ride with her. It’s time to start their final years as a couple, and Beulah makes him help her break out of the hospital.

Dutton Ranch Episode 8 Recap
Finn Little as Carter and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler in ‘Dutton Ranch’ episode 8 (Photo Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

Rip orders Carter to tend to the barbed wire fence. He forgot his gloves but refuses Rip’s, ready to cowboy up. The cowboys watch him for a few minutes, and then Rip insists he take the gloves.

Rip’s group makes it back to the pens with part of the herd, and as they’re pushed in, they escape through the gate Carter failed to secure. Carter goes after one and is pulled off his horse after he lassoes it. He yells at Azul (J.R. Villarreal), who’s just trying to help him, and Rip warns him to never yell at Azul again. Carter is done and rides back to the stables after announcing, “F*ck this sh*t.”

Rip warns Carter that any other man would have been fired. Carter’s fist is clenched, and Rip asks if he wants to take a swing. He doesn’t and continues to act like a jerk, telling Rip he’s not his father.  

Carter gets home, grabs the keys, and tells Beth that he’s leaving. She chases after him, and he claims he grew up between Montana and Texas. Beth apologizes for not always handling everything perfectly and knows he didn’t ask for them – or all this. She’s glad he’s part of her family and promises to try harder, even though she’s not sure what she’s doing.

“You held my hand when I said goodbye to my dad,” says Beth. “And I was in the room when you said goodbye to yours.” Life’s not fair, but this was meant to be. Carter understands but wants to leave and be alone. Beth tells him it’s okay, and this will always be his home.  

Joaquin shows up at Sheriff Handy Wade’s office and hands over the gun Rob-Will used to kill Wes Ayers. He wants a warrant issued, but he still doesn’t know where Wes’ body is. Joaquin claims the Jacksons aren’t his family anymore, but Sheriff Wade isn’t going to act. He doesn’t care who Joaquin is and tells him to leave, but the gun is staying.

Later, Austin (Sterlin English) sits near Zach (Marc Menchaca) at a bar and asks why he went to prison. But Austin’s real question is if he can trust Rip. Zach replies, “With your life.”

Carter drinks a beer outside Xena’s cage on Dwight’s ranch. Sheriff Wade walks up and claims Xena’s alive and living at a zoofari park. Carter wants a job with Wade, but Wade suggests he head home instead. He’s not qualified for a job at the sheriff’s office.

Austin and Zach meet with Rip and Beth, and Austin reveals that Wes only buddied up to Rob-Will to find out how the ranch managed to get more cattle when the border was shut down due to screwworms. (Which is hot topic right now.) Wes was murdered because he discovered 10-Petal has an operation in Mexico that steals cattle and smuggles them to the ranch. All the paperwork is forged to pass Border Patrol and the cattle brokers. It’s the only way the ranch has managed to stay in business. The entire family is crooked.

“They ain’t ranchers. Those motherf**kers are thieves, putting every ranch in South Texas at risk,” says Austin.

This would explain the spread of foot-and-mouth to the Dutton Ranch herd. And the next load is expected in two days.

Joaquin fumes in his car, parked by the cemetery. He screams in frustration and then pauses before making a call to his dad, who’s apparently in hiding.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: John’s in Serious Trouble

By
Rebecca Murray
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Sugar Season 2 Episode 2 Recap Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell in ‘Sugar’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo credit: Apple TV)

John Sugar (Colin Farrell) points out that LA’s a city of immigrants and that he’s an immigrant too as Apple TV’s Sugar season two, episode two opens. He loves the city but agrees that it’s a “hard” town.

(The following is a recap of season two, episode two – “Downer Town” – and there are spoilers.)

John’s taking a dip in the hotel pool when Val (Sasha Calle) arrives with news that his car needed more than just an oil change. Fortunately, she knows a mechanic who’s honest and doesn’t charge an arm and a leg. Val’s shocked that John’s living at a hotel and equally surprised that he’s offering her a job working for him. He thinks she’s resourceful and could use her help. Val agrees to think about it.

John heads to the gym where Danny Moon (Jin Ha) trains, admitting to himself that while the sport’s brutal, it’s impossible not to watch. After the workout, Danny’s stunned to learn his missing brother, Ji, stole drugs from a hospital. John confirms he’s not sure if the police are looking for him.

Danny’s trainer, Teddy, advises him to stay focused. If he does, big fights are in his future.

John’s called away to join Tom Flyberg (Shea Whigham), a man he helped to locate his missing wife, at the morgue. The body brought in looks a lot like Ji but isn’t. The shooter’s also in the morgue, thanks to LAPD, and John closely examines the body. He has a gang tattoo, and Tom promises to ask around.  

The face ID on his phone still works and John scrolls through the photos. A photo of Ji confirms the shooter was looking for him but got the wrong guy. That means someone wants him dead.

John heads back to St. Anthony’s hospital and runs into Blaine, the security guard, in the lobby. They bonded over Casablanca, and Blaine agrees to show him more security footage. They watch for Ji exiting the building and realize it took him 10 minutes to leave. Which means he stopped on another floor first. Security cameras show him on the fifth floor, and it’s obvious he was spooked by something.

John checks out the floor and learns that 22-year-old Jesus Alejandro Jaquez was admitted a few days before Ji was at the hospital. He passed away from multiple gunshot wounds. A flashback shows Ji hiding in Jesus’s closet.

John opens that same closet and notices a partially scraped label that’s in the background of the photo of Ji that was on the dead guy’s phone at the morgue. That means someone else was in that room at the same time.

Blaine and John look through the footage and discover a man who could have been the photographer.

Later that evening, Danny returns home and the elderly apartment managers greet him warmly. He’s surprised his rent’s past due, and Danny immediately leaves an angry voicemail on Ji’s phone.

John confesses it’s not easy not having anyone he knows and can turn to. He’s on his own now, without anyone to use as a sounding board.

John continues researching possible street gangs that might be after Ji but then takes a break and heads to the hotel’s restaurant. He almost gets caught by the waiter, Eric, while using his alien powers to stir a drink. Eric almost catches him before taking John’s usual drink order. John asks about Eric’s audition and suggests that he be patient; some actors take years to get their big breaks. Charlotte (Laura Donnelly) is seated nearby and compliments John for being so nice. The world could use more nice people.

Charlotte continues to work and John sees flashes of classic movie stars in her mannerisms. She steps out to take a call after telling him their conversation is to be continued. He thinks that’s weird.

John spends time at the house he just bought, which has an excellent view of former Senator Pavich’s home. Pavich is the CEO of a new tech company now, but John doesn’t know what the company does. He follows Pavich to the Magellan University School of Engineering and Applied Science but doesn’t learn anything important.

John decides his best lead is to find out more about Jesus Alejandro Jaquez. He pays a visit to Jesus’s grandmother and sees a man outside watching him and making a call. Mrs. Jaquez agrees to answer a few questions even though she’s grieving.

She allows John to look at Jesus’s bedroom and confirms Jesus was well loved. John shows her a photo of Ji and of the man in Jesus’s room, but Mrs. Jaquez doesn’t recognize either of them. Mrs. Jaquez reveals Jesus’s mom has a drug problem and lives on the streets. Jesus and his mom were best friends, and she called him by his nickname, Chuy.

John holds her hand and he asks if there’s anything he can do for her. And then without asking, he does all the dishes that are piled up in the sink. She joins him to help.

It’s a while before he leaves, and the man from earlier is still outside on his bicycle. John asks him to call his boss again and then shows him the picture of Ji from Jesus’s room. He asks to speak with the man’s boss, again, insisting he just wants to clear up a misunderstanding.

The man finally takes his card and tells him to leave the neighborhood. John drives away, escorted by four men on motorcycles until he’s out of the area.

John heads to Danny’s and asks if Ji ever mentioned the LA gang Ez4s. For some reason, Ji’s on their radar. Danny gets upset that his brother’s been doing things wrong for years. Danny’s got money problems and his voice is angry when he talks about John’s fancy suits. John offers to help him out financially, but Danny refuses.

That night Danny earns extra money by helping rob stores. He’s forced to handle a security guard that came out of nowhere. John sits in his car and watches it all go down.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 2 Recap Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell and Sasha Calle in ‘Sugar’ season 2 episode 2 (Photo credit: Apple TV)

Val meets with John at the hotel bar and confesses she stole a bunch of hotel bathrobes. John doesn’t care and informs her that he “sees people real well.” He passes a note with her weekly salary, and she agrees to take the job. Val confesses she’s done some bad things, and John admits he’s done bad things too.

John gets home and counts his suits, obviously affected by Danny pointing out his wealth. He receives a call asking if he wants to talk to the man who took Ji’s photo. The unknown caller gives him an address. John has a bad feeling about the case but heads out anyway. He can’t stop working on this case because he’s a PI, and a PI has to find the answers.

John’s driving to the location when a car speeds up behind him, chasing him. It’s right on his tail at a light but then zooms around him and takes off. He feels a moment of relief before two riders pull up on a motorcycle and shoot him in the chest. They circle back and leave the business card he handed the man outside of Mrs. Jaquez’s on his chest.

They assume he’s dead, which he definitely would be if he were human. His car drifts into the intersection and then stops.

Josh Duhamel, April Blair Promise a More Fun Ransom Canyon Season 2

By
Rebecca Murray
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Netflix’s Ransom Canyon creator and showrunner April Blair promises that while season two still focuses on “land, love, and legacy,” the new season will be a little more fun. Series star Josh Duhamel echoed that sentiment, telling Netflix’s Tudum, “My character isn’t as sullen as he was last year.” He added, “He’s much more out of his shell. He has fun.”

Season two, which just dropped an official trailer, will premiere on July 23, 2026. 

In addition to Duhamel, the new season stars Minka Kelly, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Jack Schumacher, Marianly Tejada, and Casey W. Johnson. Guest stars include Patricia Clarkson, Ben Robson, Brett Cullen, Heidi Engerman, Philip Winchester, Steve Howey, Tatanka Means, Justin Johnson Cortez, and Jennifer Ens.

Josh Duhamel in Ransom Canyon season 2
Josh Duhamel as Staten in ‘Ransom Canyon’ season 2 (Cr. Jeff Neumann/Netflix © 2025)

Netflix’s synopsis reads: “A heartfelt drama set against the sweeping vistas of Texas Hill Country, Ransom Canyon follows the intersecting lives of deep-rooted families in a town where your neighbors know everyone’s business.

Season two picks up six months after the events of the first season, with rancher Staten Kirkland (Duhamel) fighting to reclaim his legacy after being unseated as trustee of his family’s Double K Ranch, while musician Quinn O’Grady (Kelly) must decide if her heart truly belongs in the small town she once tried to outrun or in the fast-paced world of New York City. Are they star-crossed lovers or fated to be together? In Ransom Canyon, true love stories are messy, complicated, and always worth the wait.”

April Blair executive produces along with Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Dan Angel, Bradley Gardner, and Joe Fazzio.

Starz Adapts Lauren Palphreyman’s The Wolf King Series With Tanya Saracho

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Wolf King Book Cover
Cover of ‘The Wolf King’

Lauren Palphreyman’s The Wolf King book trilogy is being adapted into a series at Starz. Starz just picked up the rights, and Tanya Saracho (Vida) is attached as showrunner and executive producer.

“Coming back home to STARZ with The Wolf King is a full-circle moment for me,” stated Saracho. “This book has been my obsession since I first found it as an indie release over a year ago, and I’ve been lovingly championing it ever since. While Lauren Palphreyman’s beautiful book series is an exciting departure from the genre I’m typically known for, getting to adapt it for the network that housed Vida for three seasons just feels destined to be. I couldn’t be more ecstatic to finally share my love for this story with the world!”

Author Lauren Palphreyman will be involved as an executive producer. Starz’s announcement confirmed they’ve obtained the rights to the three books in the series: The Wolf King, The Night Prince, and The Wolf Queen.

The Wolf Queen will be released in stores on November 17, 2026.

Starz offered this synopsis: “The adaptation of The Wolf King will see Aurora, after being abducted from a world that treated her as a decorative pawn, uncovering her own wild strength in this sweeping romantasy. Ensnared in a lethal love triangle, she is thrust into a war between humankind and her feral captors, forcing her to decide whether she’s a prize to be claimed or the master of her own destiny.”

It’s too early for any casting news, and Starz hasn’t set a target premiere date.

“With the rich world Lauren Palphreyman has created in The Wolf King and our longstanding relationship with Tanya—whose instinct for sexy, nuanced storytelling is unmatched—we’re excited to bring this saga to screen with all the heat and heart it deserves,” said Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ.

 

Emmy Rossum Hunts Serial Killer in Hulu’s Furious Trailer

By
Rebecca Murray
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The Crowded Room‘s Emmy Rossum is on the hunt for a female serial killer in Hulu’s Furious. The thriller’s trailer introduces Rossum as a new FBI agent who thinks she’s stumbled onto a serial killer with her first case.

The series also stars Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing), Scoot McNairy (Man on Fire), Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Power Book II: Ghost), and Jake Lacy (All Her Fault).

“From creator and executive producer Elizabeth Meriwether, Furious follows an FBI agent, Alice Black (Rossum) on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer,” reads Hulu’s synopsis. “Both walk their own paths toward justice, and as their lives start to intertwine, the line between right and wrong begins to blur.”

Hulu will release the first three episodes on July 27, 2026, with new episodes streaming on Mondays.

Meriwether wrote the series and serves as executive producer along with Emmy Rossum, Ronald Bass, Matt Olmstead, and Sam Hoffman. Brian Kirk directed the first two episodes and executive produces. Furious is produced by 20th Television and Searchlight Television.

Furious Poster Starring Emmy Rossum
Poster for ‘Furious’ (Photo Credit: Hulu)

New Sense and Sensibility Trailer Wins Over Fans, Except for One Detail

By
Rebecca Murray
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The commenters on YouTube seem to approve of Focus Features’ new Sense and Sensibility trailer, with one minor caveat. They don’t like the long hair. The latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel is set to open in theaters on October 16, 2026.

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Esmé Creed-Miles, Caitríona Balfe, Frank Dillane, George MacKay, and Fiona Shaw star. Diana Reid adapted Austen’s novel and Georgia Oakley (Blue Jean) directs.

“Originally published anonymously with the byline reading ‘By A Lady,’ Austen’s Sense and Sensibility established her as a literary force and remains a cornerstone of English literature,” reads Focus Features’ description. “The timeless exploration of restraint and passion follows sisters Elinor (Edgar-Jones) and Marianne Dashwood (Creed-Miles), opposites in their emotional approach, as they navigate love, loss, and financial uncertainty amid the societal expectations of 18th-century England. Celebrated for its wit, deep social insights, and enduring cultural relevance, the novel launched the bright career of one of history’s greatest authors.”

Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, India Flint, and Jo Wallett serve as producers. Thea Paulett and Angela Moneke executive produce.

Sense and Sensibility Poster
Poster for ‘Sense and Sensibility’ (Photo Credit: Focus Features)

Netflix’s Dept Q Season 2 Adds 10 New Cast Members

By
Rebecca Murray
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Dept.Q Season 2 Matthew Goode
Jamie Sives, Leah Byrne, Matthew Goode, and Alexej Manvelov in ‘Dept Q’ season 2 (Photo Credit: Jamie Simpson / Netflix)

Netflix’s critically acclaimed thriller Dept Q. has added 10 new cast members for its upcoming second season, currently in production. The newcomers join returning series stars including Matthew Goode (The Offer) as DCI Carl Morck, Alexej Manvelov (Jack Ryan) as Akram Salim, Leah Byrne (But When We Dance) as DC Rose Dickson, and Jamie Sives (Chernobyl) as DS James Hardy.

The season two new additions are Aisling Franciosi (Speak No Evil) as Kimmie, Greg Wise (The Crown) as Derek Powell, Nicholas Rowe (Red Eye) as Thomas Fulton, Tony Curran (Outlander: Blood of my blood) as Winnie Calderwood, Hamish Clark (Monarch of the Glen) as Christopher Herron, and Alex Ferns (Waiting for the Out) as Phil Allenbeck. Ross Anderson (A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms) will play Ricky Daddario, Rebecca Root (Heartstopper) is June Lovesay, Isla Johnston (The Queen’s Gambit) is Agnes, and Amy Brenneman (The Old Man) is Helen.

Mark Bonnar (Line of Duty), Kate Dickie (Game of Thrones), Aaron McVeigh, and Sanjeev Kohli (Still Game) are on board to reprise their season one roles.

“This season, Carl and his band of misfits tackle a terrible crime hidden in the highest echelons of Scottish society. It is a story for our times: rich and powerful people who believe they are above the law. Carl, of course, knows otherwise,” said Rob Bullock, executive producer, Left Bank Pictures. “It’s a joy to be working with master storyteller Scott Frank once again, along with the rest of team dolally. We applaud Netflix’s courage for letting them loose once again.”

Season two is shooting in Scotland and is set in Edinburgh.

The series is based on Jussi Adler-Olsen’s novels, with Scott Frank writing, directing, and executive producing. Additional executive producers include Rob Bullock and Charlotte Moore.

Netflix’s synopsis reads, “DCI Carl Morck heads up the maverick Dept. Q from the basement of an Edinburgh police station, charged with cases previously deemed unsolvable. This darkly humorous, propulsive show delivers all the pleasures of a procedural but takes us into the complex mysteries not just of the cases but of the detectives themselves.”

Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 19 Recap: Exposures and Proposals

By
Rebecca Murray
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Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 19 Recap
Ashleigh LaThrop, Zachary Quinto, and Tamberla Perry in ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 2 episode 19 (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC)

NBC’s Brilliant Minds has reached season two’s penultimate episode, which also happens to be the series’ penultimate offering. The medical drama, inspired by Dr. Oliver Sacks, was not picked up for a third season and will wrap up on July 1, 2026 – hopefully without leaving too many storylines dangling.

The following is a recap of season two, episode 19, “The Hero’s Journey,” and there are spoilers.

Dana (Aury Krebs) chose to focus her grant on patient-centered leadership in psychiatric care, specifically Hudson Oaks and its director Dr. Amelia Frederick (with Oliver’s blessing). What she discovered is that in 2017 Dr. Frederick began her rise through the ranks at Riverdale Health Care. Hudson Oaks is one of their facilities, and after she was appointed director there, revenue soared.

Dana’s research has led her to conclude Dr. Frederick is holding patients against their will to bill their insurance companies. Carol (Tamberla Perry) points out that they need someone on the record to confirm Dana’s suspicions, and Oliver (Zachary Quinto) suggests they speak to Dr. Adler.

Carol tells Oliver that she’s determined to take them down if this can be proven. She also wonders why he hasn’t made a move on Josh since he and Beau are on a break.

And speaking of Beau, Oliver’s shocked to see him in Josh’s office. However, it turns out he’s there to discuss a patient and needs Oliver’s input. 17-year-old Finn is experiencing seizures after a spinal tumor resection left him paraplegic. Neuro could be involved, but Finn is refusing a scan. 

Dana freaks out a bit when Katie (Mishel Prada) reminds her that they’re going away for the weekend to her cousin’s wedding. Ericka (Ashleigh LaThrop) agrees that meeting the family’s a big step, but what she really wants to talk about is her birth mom. Dana hasn’t had any luck finding her and suggests that maybe Charlie’s PI could help.

Oliver meets with Finn and his mom, who confirms that Finn’s not a fan of hospitals after he was left unable to use his legs. Oliver and Finn connect over their love of medieval history, and Finn reveals he writes fantasy stories and posts them online. Oliver compliments his hematite necklace and makes a deal to give him some ground hematite if Finn agrees to an MRI.

Finn is too fidgety in the MRI machine, so Oliver distracts him by asking about the fantasy story he’s writing. He remains still long enough to get a clear look at his brain. Unfortunately, there’s a mass in his brain’s left hemisphere.

Oliver, Josh (Teddy Sears), and Beau (Marco Pigossi) break the news to Finn and his mom, and she’s concerned his cancer has returned. Finn will need surgery again, and Josh explains the mass’s exact location means it’s possible he’ll lose his ability to read and write. Oliver suggests they do an awake surgery to monitor that in real time, but Josh shuts down the idea. Finn’s not a good candidate for that procedure.

Oliver doesn’t take that well, and his team throw out possible solutions. Oliver’s worried that if Finn has another seizure, the damage could be permanent.

Carol visits Hector at Hudson Oaks, asking why he changed his mind about outpatient care. Hector reveals that Dr. Frederick claims he needs more time and that when he disagreed, she called him combative. He doesn’t want to get into trouble and asks Carol to leave, refusing to go on record against Hudson Oaks.

Oliver explains how awake surgery works to Finn and his mom. Finn would need to be able to answer questions and would have to remain completely calm throughout the surgery. Oliver admits that few people go through with the awake surgery. Finn asks if Oliver thinks he can do it and Oliver believes anyone can be brave, given a chance.

Finn wants to do the surgery, but his mom’s concerned that Josh won’t change his mind. Oliver promises to speak with him.

Charlie, Dana, and Ericka read Finn’s fantasy book and are shocked at how provocative it is. Their discussion is interrupted when Dr. Adler texts agreeing to meet with Dana after getting fired from Hudson Oaks. And Charlie agrees to help set Ericka up with his PI if she reads Lady Lovegood’s final words from Finn’s first book of a planned fantasy series.

Oliver informs Josh that his team’s figured out how to safely get Finn through an awake surgery. Josh doesn’t understand how it’s possible, given that Finn had difficulties with an MRI. Josh has had problems with awake surgeries before, including one involving a very zen surfer.

Brilliant Minds Season 2 Episode 19 Recap
Aury Krebs, Eli Fucile. Ashleigh LaThrop, and Brian Altemus in ‘Brilliant Minds’ season 2 episode 19 (Photo by: Pief Weyman/NBC)

Oliver and his team do their best to prepare Finn for what he’ll experience during the surgery, but Finn panics. Charlie suggests that Finn try meditating by deep breathing. Finn tries it, with Dana, Ericka, and Charlie there for support after Oliver shows him exactly where fear exists in his brain. It’s a tiny spot, yet it has a huge effect on people.

Beau confronts Oliver about the surgery, warning him that Josh is the surgeon on the line. Josh will have to deal with the fallout, and he’s only doing this to please Oliver, according to Beau.

Dr. Adler (John Getz) speaks with Oliver and Dana, and he admits Amelia fired him because he pushed back on her care recommendations. He thinks if they retrieve the court records, they’ll find that she petitions the court for extended stays and then collects the money from insurance before they can rule. All of which means there’s a paper trail Dana can follow.

After Dana leaves, Dr. Adler asks about Josh and Oliver confesses something’s holding him back. Plus, he thinks he saw Sofia and that his brain’s lying to him again. Dr. Adler promises they’ll get through this and that whatever she’s protecting Oliver from, he’ll face when he’s strong enough.

Dana found the smoking gun, but Carol thinks they need to tread carefully so the patients are safe from retaliation. Carol’s worried it could backfire but agrees Amelia needs to be exposed. They just need to do it so only she’s in the hot seat.

Finn has another seizure and needs to be rushed to surgery immediately. Josh believes there’s no margin for error, as he, Beau, and Oliver scrub in. Finn comes to on the operating table and Oliver explains the surgery needs to happen right now because of pressure in his brain.

Beau wonders if Josh is ready and Josh responds by creating a makeshift sword and knighting Finn into the Fellowship of the Brave. Oliver holds up a drawing and asks Finn to explain who the character is as Josh begins the surgery. Oliver joins Sir John in the story and promises he can help in the battle to save Lady Lovegood.

Oliver asks Finn to repeat words back to him, and he repeats the wrong words, which means Josh will avoid that area of his brain. Oliver continues to ask Finn questions, and in the fantasy world, he helps Sir John battle the Executioner. Suddenly, Finn can’t make a fist, and his blood pressure begins rising. He panics and his brain swells, and Beau and
Josh want to sedate him. Oliver disagrees since Finn wanted to be awake.

Oliver brings in reinforcements. His team dress as characters from Finn’s fantasy world, and Oliver introduces them as Ericka the Knowledgeable, Dana the Heartfelt, and Charlie the Redeemer. In the fantasy, Oliver continues to help Sir John fight the Executioner.

The surgery is going to take more time than anticipated and Finn almost panics again, but Oliver pulls him out of it. Oliver insists he’s not his fears and isn’t Sir John. He’s strong, and Finn says he can do this.

Finn’s able to count down from 10 on Josh’s instructions without a problem. Finn, in his wheelchair, enters the fantasy world and slays the Executioner.

The operation was a success, and this tumor isn’t connected to his other tumor. Oliver points out the first tumor made him scared, the second made him brave. As Oliver talks to Finn and his mom, Josh smiles. Beau notices how he looks at Oliver.

Dr. Amelia Frederick (Bellamy Young) is stunned to walk into a meeting with a Hudson Oaks board member, patients, Dr. Adler, Carol, and Dana. Dana discovered that Amelia filed 500+ petitions to the court for continued inpatient commitment. Only four of those petitions were granted. Carol insists the fish rots at the head, and she can’t send patients there anymore with Amelia in charge. Dana crunched the numbers, and while the beds are being filled at a high rate, the profits are decreasing. And isn’t it weird that Amelia drives a Porsche? “The math is not mathing,” says Dana.

Amelia doesn’t know Dana, and Carol assures her Dana is her “worst nightmare.” Dana approves that description. The Hudson Oaks board member informs Amelia that she’s under investigation and Dr. Adler is taking over. Amelia needs to vacate the premises immediately.

Dana arrives home, fresh off her victory, and finds Katie there, upset that she’s late. Dana isn’t packed or ready to leave, and Katie thinks there’s something else going on. Dana’s never said she loves her in the year that they’ve been dating. Katie asks point-blank if Dana loves her, and Dana doesn’t know. That’s all Katie needs to hear.

Back at the hospital, Oliver and Carol are happy to see Finn has a visitor who happens to be his biggest fan and was right upstairs in oncology. Carol thinks Finn is like Oliver, gifted and willing to fight. Oliver thinks it’s time he faces his fears, too.

Charlie hands Ericka an envelope with info on her birth mom, assuring her he didn’t read it. Ericka learns her mom’s name is Joan – and much more.

Josh and Beau are out in the cold winter night and Beau confesses he’s scared of losing Josh. He asks Josh to marry him.

Oliver takes Carol to his dad’s place and sits where he hallucinated Sofia the first time. He knows that he’s been terrified to face something, and that’s why he hasn’t told Josh how he feels. He confesses that he learned where his dad was for 30 years; he had another family and his daughter is Sofia! Photos show her with Oliver’s dad, smiling and happy. Carol understands he created a fantasy version of Sofia to help him.

“He didn’t abandon me, Carol. He left and he started a whole new family,” says Oliver. “He got to be happy.” Sofia is real and his sister who he hasn’t met yet.

Meanwhile, Dana sits at a bar drinking tequila and a beer. Sofia sits next to her and says she’s from California. Her dad used to work in the area, but she doesn’t want to talk about him.

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